Applicator and Container Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A 2-in-1 tool for lip protection substances is described. The tool is equipped with a first container configured to contain lip balm disposed at a first end, and a second container configured to contain lip gloss disposed at a second end. The first container has a removable cap, which provides access to a spherical container containing the lip balm. Likewise, the second container contains a lip gloss applicator which is configured to unscrew from a junction between the first container and the second container. The shape of the tool as a whole resembles a lollipop, and may be equipped with a ‘flavor charm’ affixed to a bottom of the second container.

CONTINUITY

This application is a continuation of non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/904,374, filed on Feb. 25, 2018, and of provisional patent application No. 62/505,789, filed on May 12, 2017, and priority is claimed thereto.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to cosmetic applicator and containers, and more specifically relates to a 2-in-1 applicator and container apparatus equipped with separate containers for two forms of cosmetic products contained within a unitary body.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

There are many forms of lip protectants and lip care products available on the market today. These products include lipstick, lip balm, and lip gloss. Each is known to be sold in a variety of flavors and colors to cater to a wide range of tastes. As such, many individuals, especially women, are known to own multiple iterations of each lip care product. Presently, each lip care product is conventionally sold as an isolated product, complete with independent packaging and pricing for each lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm. As one may imagine, with even a cursory desire for lip care products, many individuals are left carrying an assortment of lip care product containers when the need for both a lip gloss and a lip balm may arise. As the containers of these lip care products tend to be small, they are often lost accidentally.

If there were an easy way in which individuals could carry both a lip balm and a lip gloss within a singular unitary container, individuals would need to carry less individual containers with them when out on the town. Additionally, individuals would be less prone to losing either a lip gloss or a lip balm, as they would be housed within the same body.

Thus, there is a need for a new 2-in-1 lip gloss and lip balm container and applicator which enables an individual to carry both lip gloss and lip balm (or other cosmetic products) in a single unitary body. Such an apparatus is preferably equipped with a first container containing the lip balm and a second container containing the lip gloss. The second container houses a lip gloss applicator equipped with a lip gloss brush to facilitate the application of the lip gloss to the lips of the individual.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

This Summary of the Invention is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention is a 2-in-1 lip balm and lip gloss container and applicator configured to facilitate carrying both products within a singular body. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a first container containing lip balm, and a second container containing lip gloss. The second container is configured to unscrew and be removed from a base of the first container, revealing a lip gloss applicator and brush. The lip gloss applicator remains affixed to the base of the first container, enabling the user to use the first container as a handle during the application of lip gloss to the lips. The first container is preferably equipped with a cap, which is configured to be removed by the user to facilitate access to the lip balm. The cap is large enough such that, when it is removed or pivoted upward about a hinge, a large portion of the lip balm is exposed, enabling the user to rub the lip balm directly on his or her lips without the need to touch the lip balm with his or her fingers. The cap preferably snaps or screws into place at the top of the first container.

Additionally, the present invention is preferably equipped with a flavor charm, which is preferably affixed to a bottom of the second container. The flavor charm is present for aesthetic purposes, as well as to indicate the flavor of the lip balm and/or lip gloss contents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1A depicts a view of the present invention from the front side, showing both the first container and second container sealed.

FIG. 1B exhibits a view of the present invention from the front side, showing the second container opened and removed, detailing the lip gloss applicator and brush.

FIG. 2 details a cut-away view of the front of the present invention, showing the lip applicator housed within the second container when in the closed position.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart detailing the process of use of the present invention by a user.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention having a hinged cap disposed on the first container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The present invention is a 2-in-1 container and applicator apparatus for both semi-solid and liquid-based lip protectants. The apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a first container (10) which is preferably equipped with a cap (20) as shown in FIG. 1 . The first container (10) is configured to contain conventional semi-solid lip balm. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first container (10) has a generally spherical shape, however it is envisioned that alternate embodiments may exhibit a variety of other geometric solid shapes. The lip balm is preferably accessible via a top of the first container (10), which is covered via the cap (20). The cap (20) may be configured to screw, pivot about a hinge (55) (as shown in FIG. 4 ), or snap into position, keeping the lip balm free of contaminants when not in use. The hinge (55) is preferably disposed at approximately the half-way point of the first container (10), at or near an equatorial line.

Additionally, the present invention is equipped with a second container (30), which extends from a base (40) of the first container (10). The second container (30) resembles a conventional lip balm applicator and container. As such, the second container (30) is configured to unscrew from the base of the first container (10), revealing a lip gloss applicator (50) which preferably remains affixed to the base (40) of the first container (10). Alternatively, the second container (30) may employ a friction-based snapping mechanism to secure the second container (30) to the base (40) of the first container (10). In all preferred embodiments, a cavity is present at a bottom of the first container (10) in to which the second container is configured to slide or screw securely. The lip gloss applicator (50) preferably remains affixed to the base (40) of the first container, and is sheathed within the second container (30) when it is affixed to the base of the first container via the cavity.

The lip gloss applicator (50) of the present invention is preferably permanently affixed to the base (40) of the first container (10), such that the first container (10), when sealed with the cap (20), may be used as a handle during the application of lip gloss to the lips of the user. The base (40) of the first container (10) is preferably equipped with threading (70) to facilitate sealing of the second container (30). Therefore, it should be understood that the second container (30), when sealed, contains the lip gloss applicator (50). The lip gloss applicator (50) is preferably equipped with a lip gloss brush (60) disposed at the end opposite the first container (10) when detached from the second container (30), as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 2 .

The process of use of the present invention by a user, as depicted in FIG. 3 , is preferably as follows:

1. The user acquires the present invention from a retailer or e-retailer. (100)

2. The user has a need for lip balm due to chapped lips or similar lip ailment. (110)

3. The user unscrews the cap (20) of the first container (10) of the present invention, revealing the lip balm. Alternately, the cap (20) is pivoted up about a hinge (55), opening the first container (10). (120)

4. The user applies lip balm directly to the lips, employing the second container (30) as a handle during application. (130)

5. The user closes or replaces the cap (20) to the top of the first container (10). (140)

6. The user has a desire to dress up in an effort to appear more aesthetically pleasing, and wishes to wear lip gloss. (150)

7. The user unscrews the second container (30) from the base (40) of the first container (10), and removes the lip gloss applicator (50) equipped with the lip gloss brush (60). (160) The lip gloss applicator (50) remains affixed to the first container (10).

8. The user applies the lip gloss to the lips via the lip gloss brush (60) of the lip gloss applicator (50). (170)

9. The user replaces the lip gloss applicator (50) into the second container (30) and screws it securely in the closed position via the threading (70). (180)

It should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be equipped with plastic or acrylic jewels disposed on the outside of the second container (30), the color of which may also be configured to indicate a flavor of the contents. Similarly, it should be understood that the first container (10) and/or the second container (30) may be clear or translucent in some embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention may also be equipped with a flavor charm (80), which is preferably affixed to the bottom of the second container (30) as shown in FIG. 1A. The flavor charm (80) depicts the flavoring and/or color of the lip balm and lip gloss contained with the first container (10) and second container (30) respectively.

Additionally, it should be understood that some embodiments of the present invention may include a lip balm insert which is removable from the first container (10). In such embodiments, the lip balm itself is disposed within (and atop) a spoked platform, which preferably snaps or screws in place within the first container (10). In some embodiments, the spoked platform is permanently mounted within the first container (10) of the present invention. In other embodiments, the spoked platform holding the lip balm (or equivalent) may be configured to lock into place within the first container (10).

It should be understood that, when the present invention is disposed in an upright position, the lip balm is at the top of the apparatus, held within the first container (10), and the lip gloss is disposed at the bottom, held within the second container (30). Additionally, it should be noted that other substances may be disposed in the first container (10) and/or second container (30), including mascaras, lipstick, eye shadow, or similar cosmetic products. As such, the first container (10) preferably contains a semi-solid substance, and the second container (30) preferably contains a semi-liquid substance or salve. The products contained within the first container (10) and second container (30) are preferably one of many lip products. While multiple embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, it should be noted that the preferred embodiment of the present invention is the embodiment detailing the hinge (55) as shown in FIG. 4 .

Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

We claim:
 1. A container apparatus comprising: a first container containing a lip balm, said first container equipped with a cap and a base; wherein said first container is spherical; a hinge, said hinge disposed on said base; wherein said hinge is in communication with said cap; wherein said cap is configured to open by pivoting about said hinge; a second container containing a lip balm, said second container disposed in communication with said base via threads when sealed; wherein said second container functions as a handle in the application of said lip balm from said first container; a lip gloss applicator, said lip gloss applicator disposed in fixed communication with said base; wherein said first container functions as a handle during the application of said lip gloss from said second container via said lip gloss applicator; wherein said first container, when connected to said second container, combined with said second container, exhibits the appearance of a lollipop; and wherein said lip gloss applicator emanates from a central position of said base.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lip gloss applicator remains affixed to said base of said first container permanently.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lip gloss applicator is a wand being longer than it is wide.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a lip gloss brush, said lip gloss brush disposed on a first end of said lip gloss applicator; and a second end of said lip gloss applicator, said second end is affixed to said base of said first container.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: threading, said threading disposed on said second end of said lip gloss applicator and said second container; and wherein said lip gloss applicator is configured to screw into said second container, sealing said second container closed.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a lip gloss brush, said lip gloss brush disposed on a first end of said lip gloss applicator; and a second end of said lip gloss applicator, said second end is affixed to said base of said first container.
 9. A method for applying lip products to a lip of a user comprising: pivoting open a cap about a hinge of a first container, revealing a lip balm; grasping a second container, which is connected to a base of the first container; wherein the second container exhibits the shape of a wand; using the second container as a handle to facilitate the application of the lip balm to the lip of the user; closing the cap of the first container; inverting the first container such that the second container is above the first container; wherein the second container contains lip gloss; unscrewing the second container from the base of the first container, revealing a lip gloss applicator; wherein the lip gloss applicator remains affixed to the first container; using the first container as a handle to manipulate the lip gloss applicator to apply lip gloss to the lip of the user; wherein the lip gloss applicator extends from the base of the first container; screwing the second container back onto the first container, sheathing the lip gloss applicator.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: screwing the second container into a cavity of a base of the first container via threading.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein a lip gloss brush is disposed at an end of the lip gloss applicator.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein a lip gloss brush is disposed at an end of the lip gloss applicator.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first container, when connected to the second container, exhibits the appearance of a lollipop. 